Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Location | Suffolk |
---|---|
Grid reference | TM 077 521[1] |
Interest | Biological |
Area | 98.7 hectares[1] |
Notification | 1985[1] |
Location map | Magic Map |
Barking Woods is a 98.7-hectare (244-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in six separate blocks north-east of Ipswich in Suffolk.[1][2][3] Part of it is a 20-hectare (49-acre) nature reserve called Bonny Wood, which is owned and managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust.[4][3]
These ancient woodlands have been documented since 1251. The canopy is mainly oak, ash and silver birch, and other trees include the rare wild pear. The flora is diverse, including herb paris, ramsons, sanicle and early purple orchid.[5]
Some areas are private land, but the nature reserve is open to the public, and a public footpath goes through Priestley Wood.[citation needed]